An Historical Mystery

An Historical Mystery

The novel revolves around a mysterious event from the past that has been hidden for centuries. A young man discovers an ancient manuscript that hints at a long-forgotten crime committed by a powerful noble family. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers a web of deceit and corruption that threatens to destroy the very foundations of society. The story is set in 17th-century France, where the nobility holds absolute power and the common people live in fear. The protagonist's investigation takes him from the opulent palaces of Paris to the rural countryside, where he encounters a cast of characters who are all hiding secrets. As the mystery unfolds, it becomes clear that nothing is as it seems, and the truth is far more sinister than anyone could have imagined. The novel explores themes of power, corruption, and the dangers of unchecked ambition. The story is a complex and intricate puzzle, with multiple plot twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end. Ultimately, the mystery is solved, but not before it has revealed the dark underbelly of French society during this period in history.

By Honoré De Balzac · First published 1829 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Political Fiction · 20 chapters · 88,056 words

First lines

The autumn of the year 1803 was one of the finest in the early part of that period of the present century which we now call "Empire. " Rain had refreshed the earth during the month of October, so that the trees were still green and leafy in November. The French people were beginning to put faith in a secret understanding between the skies and Bonaparte, then declared Consul for life, -- a belief in which that man owes part of his prestige; strange to say, on the day the sun failed him, in 1812, his luck ceased!

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An Historical Mystery is listed on Textopian as a novel by Honoré De Balzac, dated 1829 CE.

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Historical Fiction · Mystery · Novel · French Literature · 19th Century · Realism · Social Commentary · Satire · Philosophy · Psychology · Morality · Class Struggle

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